If I cannot be so happy without you, my dear
If I cannot hold you close, every second that you're here
You must know I can't go on, every time I sing my song
If I cannot have your love, I'll sing the blues

Every time I'm feeling low and far away
All the time I think of you, every second of the day
And you know you hurt my pride
but I'd rather be by your side
If I cannot have your love, I'll sing the blues

Sing the blues all my life, I got trouble, I got strife
How can a man expect to be so free
To travel this so lonely road and to carry its heavy load
Is becoming far too much, too much for me

If I cannot be so happy, then I'm gonna be on my way
The many nights I needed your love
it never worked out that way
For I must have my babe, for I'm feeling extremely sad
If I cannot have your love, I'm gonna play the blues

Sing the blues all my life, so much trouble, so much strife
How can a man expect to be so free
To travel this lonely road and carry its heavy load
I'd rather have your love than sing the blues

Yes, I'd rather have your love than sing the blues
Yes, I'd rather have your love, baby, than sing the blues